How to Use Arnica for Natural Remedies

Two Methods:

Arnica is a popular homeopathic medicine that some people believe can be effective in treating and managing pain. Apply Arnica topically to treat sprains, strains, inflammation, and bruises. You can also take Arnica orally to treat shock, trauma, and general pain. Keep in mind that Arnica is toxic, so don't use more than a single dose at a time, and never use homeopathic remedies as replacements for medical therapies or prescribed medication, since there is no scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of homeopathy.

Steps

Applying Arnica Topically

Get Arnica so you have it on hand when it’s needed.Purchase Arnica gel, cream, and/or ointment at your local drugstore, health food store, or online. The main difference between the various forms is the consistency—with gel being the thinnest, ointment the thickest, and cream somewhere in between.

When considering which form of Arnica to purchase, it primarily comes down to your preference for how the product feels and its effectiveness (which may come from experimentation). The potency levels between 2 like forms can vary between different brands, so this isn’t a consideration.

Rub Arnica cream on bruises 2-3 times per day to help them heal faster.For the best results, ice and elevate the affected area if possible. Then apply a topical treatment of Arnica to the bruise by squeezing a small amount onto the area and rubbing it in with your fingers.

You can use Arnica gel if you have it, but the cream tends to stay on the skin longer, leading to more absorption and better results.

Only apply Arnica on non-broken skin to avoid irritation. If the skin has open wounds like cuts or scrapes, do not use a topical treatment.

Massage Arnica gel onto sore muscles to help soothe and relax them.Whether you are experiencing pain in your back, neck, arms, or legs, Arnica can help. Squeeze a generous amount of the gel onto the affected area, and gently massage it into your skin. Repeat 2-3 times per day for up to 3 days.

You can use other topical treatments like cream or ointment, but the gel form is non-greasy and is quickly absorbed into the skin. The consistency makes it ideal for massaging into sore muscles.

Apply Arnica ointment to strains and sprains to help relieve the pain.After icing your injury, spread an even layer of ointment over the affected area. The Arnica works as an anti-inflammatory, and as the swelling decreases, so will your pain. Repeat up to 6 times per day.

Use Arnica to treat any sports-related injury including fatigued muscles, muscle spasms, or muscle tears.

You can use gel or cream to treat a sprain or strain, but the thickness of the ointment may provide longer-lasting relief.

Apply Arnica gel twice a day to ease symptoms associated with arthritis.Squeeze a generous amount of gel onto the joints in your hands, knees, or wherever you experience arthritic pain. Gently massage the area with gel to help reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling. Repeat daily or as needed.

Discontinue use if you notice any skin irritation where the gel was applied—it may indicate a mild allergic reaction.

Taking Arnica Orally

Talk to your doctor before taking Arnica orally.While taking Arnica orally is generally considered a safe alternative or complementary therapy, there have been some negative side effects reported. In addition, it’s always best practice to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment.

Follow up with your doctor if you notice any side effects after beginning treatment with Arnica.

Treat migraines or tension headaches with 3-5 Arnica 30C pellets.One dose may be enough to cure your headache. For frequent or extremely painful headaches, you may need to try a higher dose or repeat the remedy another time before you experience any relief.

If you don’t have any relief after a few hours, repeat the dose. If the second dose still doesn’t help, Arnica may not be the remedy your body needs.

Take Arnica to avoid health risks associated with long-term NSAIDs use.NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen and are commonly taken to help with pain from arthritis. Arnica is a safe alternative to these over-the-counter medications. It is said to help increase blood flow to the area that is affected by the arthritis, which helps to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling and pain.

There have been very little negative side effects reported for taking Arnica for treating arthritis.

Help your child feel better with a half-dose if they are over 2 years old.Arnica is safe to give children who are over the age of 2. It is recommended that children take half of those dose an adult would take (as instructed on the bottle, depending on the potency). Start treatment as soon as possible after the injury and continue for another day or 2.

Use Arnica pellets or liquid for bruises, bumps, and pain from all those minor injuries children tend to get.

For children under 2 years old, check with your homeopath for more information on the best remedy.

Give Arnica to a pet that has suffered trauma or an injury.Arnica is safe to give to dogs, cats, horses, and birds and is best given as soon as possible after the event occurs. Use oral pellets or liquid to treat shock, bruising, strains, sprains, and general or localized pain in your animal.

The higher the dose, the more effective it will be, but any potency will work. Continue giving the remedy as often as needed.

Consult a veterinarian before beginning treatment if your pet has suffered a trauma or injury.

Take Arnica once per day, as directed by a doctor, before surgery.The Arnica can help your body prepare for surgery by reducing the amount of shock, trauma, and general stress put on the body during surgery. Place the pellet under your tongue and allow it to dissolve.

Take the Arnica in combination with phosphorus to prevent nausea and vomiting that is often caused by anesthetics.

Take Arnica 4 times per day after surgery if your doctor tells you to.The frequent dosing will help control the pain you may experience after surgery. It will also encourage the body to heal faster. As the pain starts to go away, slowly decrease the amount of Arnica you take.

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about taking Arnica in combination with traditional medications.

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If you are using Arnica as a remedy to treat your ailments but it doesn’t seem to be working, consider contacting an experienced homeopath for guidance.

Warnings

Some people have reported adverse side effects when taking Arnica orally. (Topical treatments are typically considered safe and are very well tolerated). Consult a physician or homeopath for medical supervision before taking the oral form of Arnica.